The sport of kings: Road trip?

Looking to make a long weekend of things sometime between Easter and Memorial Day. Did Vegas earlier this year, so that's out. Don't really feel like hitting the other regular spots. So I got to thinking .... what about a Derby pilgrimage???

However, before I commit, I need to know how much (and how available) are tickets to Churchill Downs on Friday and Saturday. I'm not looking for Millionaire's Row, nor am I looking to get down and dirty in the infield. Maybe something on the outer edges of the grandstand.
Also, how much does lodging at, say, a Red Roof Inn go for in Louisville that weekend? Or, for that matter, a Holiday Inn Express?

And is it possible to hop on a table at Caesars' Indiana for less than a green chip?